Improved antistatic properties and mechanism of silicone rubber/low-melting-point-alloy composites induced by high-temperature cyclic stretching

Methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ)/low-melting-point alloy (SnBi) composites were prepared by mechanical blending. The effect of SnBi content on the surface resistivity, volume resistivity, mechanical properties, and transparency of MVQ were investigated. The results showed that the surface resistivity, volume resistivity, tensile strength, and elongation at break of MVQ/SnBi composites were 1.6 × 1010 Ω, 2.2 × 1011 Ω cm, 8.2 MPa, and 612%, respectively by incorporation of 3 phr SnBi, showing better antistatic properties and mechanical properties. The effect of cyclic stretching temperature, strain, and number of cycles on the aspect ratio (length to diameter), electrical performance, and mechanical properties of MVQ/SnBi composites were also studied. The average aspect ratio of the alloy particles increased with increasing tensile temperature, strain, and cyclic times, resulting in a reduction in electrical resistivity. In addition, the antistatic mechanism of MVQ/SnBi composites was revealed. •Antistatic composites were fabricated by incorporation of Sn/Bi alloys.•The electrical conductivity was improved by high-temperature cyclic stretching.•A linear decrease is shown between the resistivity and the average aspect ratio.